Planner/Zoning Inspector

The position is an integral part of the Pierce Township team.  The role is responsible for the community’s current- planning and growth management process, permit reviews and assists in updates to zoning codes, plan review process, and enforcement of the Zoning Resolution and Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C). The position provides professional support and reports directly to the Director regarding long range planning projects and the administration of Departmental policies, programs and procedures.  Requires excellent interpersonal skills, including building relationships, synthesizing and aiding in the resolution of conflicting goals and opinions, and inspiring confidence in the goals and direction of the community.  Incumbent must maintain confidentiality and exhibit the highest standards of ethics.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The position reports to the Director of Community Development and Planning and works regularly with the Township Board of Trustees.  The incumbent directly supervises the Planning Department (Planning & Zoning Assistant) and works directly with the Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals members.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

The following highlight, but are not limited to, the responsibilities of the position.

PLANNING, ZONING & CODE ENFORCEMENT

• Manages Current Planning activity for the Township including the review of various development applications including permits, site plans, variances and conditional use permit requests
• In support of the Director of Community Development and Planning, assists in the development and implementation of long range plans for the Township

• Provides professional staff support and training for the Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals

• Attends evening meetings

• Supports and manages the Department’s Code Enforcement efforts

• In support of the Director of Planning and Community Development, provides professional support in Community Development and Economic Development projects

• Assists in the management of the Department’s record retention and filing systems, including permit software

• Provides technical expertise in the preparation of studies, reports, and recommendations regarding land use, transportation, open space preservation, recreational needs, land economics, and other related policies.

• Provides technical expertise in the research, preparation and administration of grants.

DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

• Directly manages the Planning and Zoning Assistant in Permitting and Code Enforcement.
• Assists in the preparation of the Departmental budget and ensures that operational costs remain within budget by monitoring expenses on a monthly basis.
• Ensures the efficient and economical use of Departmental funds, staffing, materials, facilities and time.
• Assists the Director in ensuring staff receives regular professional training and development opportunities through both external and internal avenues. Provide technical assistance to staff when necessary.  Ensure proper interpretation, application, enforcement, and development of Township Zoning Ordinances and other code approvals within the Department’s purview.
• Works with the Township Fiscal Officer in records management program, ensuring records are organized, searchable, and/old unneeded records are properly disposed of based on Ohio Revised Statutes.

Other Work Performed

• Attends Board of Trustee meetings as necessary and other governmental and community meetings and events.
• Assists the Director of Community Development and Planning in special projects and other duties in support of the organization.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The incumbent will have knowledge of:

• Land development codes, comprehensive planning, permitting laws, and zoning, subdivision and land development regulations. Thorough understanding of zoning law.
• Federal and State laws governing the creation and enforcement of zoning codes, environmental regulations (such as stormwater runoff regulations), transportation management, and historic preservation.
• Current issues and innovative approaches to land development and redevelopment.
• Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems, SketchUp or similar programs, Census data use and interpretation, financial trend analysis.
• Design and construction practices. Read and interpret building plans and specifications.

The incumbent will have the ability to:

• Provide superior customer service. Be accessible to the public and development community.  Promptly respond to requests for information.
• Provide innovative solutions and ability to think “outside the box” in addressing significant issues.
• Anticipate and stay abreast of market innovations and trends. Understand the overall economic climate and how market demand relates to development potential in the community.
• Successfully develop and supervise staff to meet the needs of the Department.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with correct composition, spelling, and punctuation.
• Build and maintain confidence in the Township government with the community and business interests.
• Work independently and effectively manage multiple and conflicting tasks simultaneously.
• Develop and coordinate various meetings with a wide range of participants. Attend evening, and at rare times, weekend meetings.
• Approach work tasks in an organized fashion. Develop a schedule for project completion and ensure timelines are met.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A degree from a four-year accredited college or university with a degree in business, accounting, finance, economic, urban planning or public administration.  A master’s degree in urban planning, or public administration is highly recommended.

Preferred qualifications include designations (or ability to obtain) certification with the American Institute of Planners (AICP)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, stand, use fingers, talk, hear, grasp, reach with hands, see using close vision, see using distance, and adjust vision between close and distant.  Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing semi-skilled movements in the operation of computer keyboard, telephone, copier, calculator and manual files.  Ability to lift, carry, or pull up to 30 pounds.  Employee may be exposed to outside conditions periodically, including hot and cold weather in evaluating property.

FUNCTION OF POSITION DESCRIPTION

This position description has been prepared to define the general duties of the position, provide examples of work and to detail the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as the acceptable experience and training for the position.  The description is not intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the duties of employees under supervision.  Pierce Township retains and reserves any and all rights to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from any portion of this description in its sole judgement.

This job description is not a contract for employment and is in no way intended to provide any guarantees of employment that would conflict with the at-will nature of the position.

Pierce Township is an equal opportunity employer in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  The Township will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.